Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers - Blu-ray Disc Review

***SYNOPSIS***

MICHAEL LIVES. AND THIS TIME THEY’RE READY! Now remastered in HD and featuring an all-new audio commentary! Because Hell would not have him, Michael Myers survived the mine explosion thought to have killed him. One year later, his traumatized young niece Jamie (Danielle Harris of HALLOWEEN 4) is horrified to discover she has a telepathic bond with her evil Uncle…and that Uncle Michael is on his way back to Haddonfield. But Dr. Loomis (the late, great Donald Pleasence) has a new plan to destroy The Boogey Man in his childhood home using Jamie as bait. Tonight, the carnage begins again: Michael Myers is back witha vengeance! Ellie Cornell and Beau Starr return for this hit sequel that features grisly gore by K.N.B. EFX Group (ARMY OF DARKNESS, SCREAM, HOSTEL), and is now fully remastered in DiviMax™ for the ultimate Michael Myers mayhem!






***VIDEO QUALITY***

Halloween 5 arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio 1.85:1 - Now this is a really nice presentation. Shame that this sequel is the one that shines on it's Blu-ray debut over the superior movie that precede it, Halloween 4. Colors were lush with no smearing or bleeding. Fine detail took a nice step up, could see individual stitches in clothing and the makeup effects on Loomis don't hold up as well cause you can see the prosthetic clearly now. Shadow detail was great and added to the tension when you see glimpses of Michael Myers from a distance.

Black levels were consistently deep. Contrast was just right on this one. There was some noticeable grain sometimes which adds to the viewing in my opinion. No compression artifacts that I could see and a lot less print damage than Halloween 4. This was a pleasant surprise. 8.5/10



***AUDIO QUALITY***


Audio is provided by a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. - This track was a solid performer with deep bass and scary surround usage that made me feel like I was in the town of Haddonfield. Dialogue was crisp and clean throughout. Teh more scary and tense moments benefit from well placed sound effects in the rear speakers. Knife slashes, doors closing, a light breeze whispers past your ear naturally until the attack comes and your jolted out of your chair from the hefty bass that compliments the moody score. This is a strong presentation that draws the listener into the on screen action. 8.5/10



***SPECIAL FEATURES***
* Audio Commentary with Director (Dominique Othenin-Girard) and (Author Justin Beahm)

* Audio Commentary with Actors (Don Shanks),(Danielle Harris), and (Jeffrey Landman)

* Halloween 5: On The Set

* Halloween 5: Original Promo

* Theatrical Trailer

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers - Blu-ray Disc Review

***SYNOPSIS***
TEN YEARS AGO HE CHANGED THE FACE OF HALLOWEEN. TONIGHT HE’S BACK. A decade ago, he butchered 16 people trying to get to his sister. He was shot and incinerated, but still the entity that Dr. Sam Loomis (the legendary Donald Pleasence) calls “Evil on two legs” would not die. Tonight, Michael Myers has come home again…to kill! This time, Michael returns to Haddonfield for Jamie Lloyd (Danielle Harris of HALLOWEEN 5 and THE LAST BOYSCOUT) – the orphaned daughter of Laurie Strode – and her babysitter Rachel (Ellie Cornell of HALLOWEEN 5 and HOUSE OF THE DEAD). Can Loomis stop Michael before the unholy slaughter reaches his innocent young niece?Michael Pataki, Sasha Jenson and Kathleen Kinmont co-star in this smash sequel that marked the long-awaited return to the original storyline and remains infamous for its startling twist ending and graphic violence.





***VIDEO QUALITY***

Halloween 4 arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio 1.85:1 - I will start by stating that this looks in a lot ways like an upconvert of the Divimax DVD release. There are noticeable white specks that pop up once in awhile if you're looking for them, a line all the way through the left side of the picture during the opening sequence for a few seconds. There are moments of softness that hampers fine detail. There were some scenes where trees in the background looked mushed together instead of standing out from each other subtly.

All this being said if you can pick up this title on the cheap you will pleased by the stronger color reproduction, nice detail on closeups despite the inherent softness that rears it's head from time to time. Grain lovers will be happy , there are no signs of DNR as far as I can tell. Black levels wavered a few moments but on the whole were quite deep and exhibited good shadow detail. Contrast was a solid performer. Overall this isn't a shiny new transfer like some may have been hoping for but when in motion the image is a decent upgrade. 7/10



***AUDIO QUALITY***

Audio is provided by a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. While not an overly aggressive track the musical score gets some nice heft from the LFE. Dialogue was crisp and clean except for the moments where it was clearly ADR and then sounded a little canned. Surrounds let the score breathe a little and some more tense scenes are subtly enhanced by the rear effects. Overall this lossless track is a good upgrade from the Divimax DVD


***SPECIAL FEATURES***
These are the same special features that were on the Divimax DVD version and while the commentaries are solid listens it would have been nice to have the over 30 minutes of extended and deleted scenes that were originally promised for this Blu-ray debut of the film.

* Audio Commentary with Writer Alan B. McElory

* Audo Commentary with Actors Ellie Cornell and Danielle Harris

* HALLOWEEN 4 & 5 Discussion Panel

* Theatrical Trailer

The Walking Dead: The Complete Second Season coming to Blu-ray August 28th

Anchor Bay Home Entertainment have confirmed plans for the highly anticipated release of The Walking Dead: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray August 28, 2012. The release will be have plenty of bonus features. Audio will be provided by a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track. There will also be a limited edition version with a zombie head case designed by the fine folks at McFarlane. Below is the official press announcement.

 

"ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT BRINGS BACK THE DEAD WITH “THE WALKING DEAD: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON” ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD AUGUST 28, 2012 

A LIMITED EDITION ZOMBIE HEAD DESIGNED BY MCFARLANE TOYS ALSO AVAILABLE "



 BEVERLY HILLS, CA – The series Variety called "creepy from the first frame" gets a release on Blu-ray™ and DVD that will make the dead rise! Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly releases the AMC original series THE WALKING DEAD: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON on August 28th, with an SRP of $69.99 for the Blu-ray™, and $59.98 for the DVD. A truly unique and very limited edition zombie head case created and designed by McFarlane Toys will also be available as Blu-ray™ only for a SRP of $99.99. Pre-book is August 1st. The 4-Disc sets will contain all 13 episodes of the second season and will be loaded with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, featurettes and audio commentaries.  


THE WALKING DEAD: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON is the much anticipated next chapter to the acclaimed post zombie apocalypse series. When we last left the “The Walking Dead,” the characters were in the midst of a high-intensity struggle to survive, fleeing the CDC as it burst into flames. In Season 2, they are still fighting zombies, and each other, facing more threats and obstacles than ever before.


 Based on the hugely successful and popular comic books, written by Robert Kirkman, AMC’s “The Walking Dead” captures the ongoing human drama after a zombie apocalypse. The series follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln (Love Actually), who are traveling in search of a safe and secure home. However, instead of the zombies, it’s the living who still remain that may be the biggest threat. Jon Bernthal (Rampart) plays Shane Walsh, Rick's sheriff's department partner before the apocalypse, and Sarah Wayne Callies (“Prison Break”), is Rick's wife, Lori. THE WALKING DEAD: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON cast also includes Laurie Holden (Fantastic Four), Steven Yeun (My Name is Jerry), Norman Reedus (The Boondock Saints), Jeffrey DeMunn (The Shawshank Redemption), Chandler Riggs (Get Low), Iron E. Singleton (Seeking Justice) and Melissa McBride (The Mist). Guest stars for the second season include Lauren Cohan (“Chuck”), Scott Wilson (Monster) and Pruitt Taylor Vince (Constantine).


“The Walking Dead” is a hit with both audiences and critics. The first season won the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Miniseries, Movie or Special and was nominated for Emmys® in Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series and Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Series. Season 1 also garnered a Golden Globe® nomination for Best Television Series - Drama, and was named to the American Film Institute’s (AFI) Top 10 Programs of the Year (2010), among other accolades. Season 3 of “The Walking Dead” premieres on AMC in October.

Oscar Nominated film My Week With Marilyn coming to Blu-ray March 13, 2012

Anchor Bay Home Entertainment the Oscar Nominated (Best Actress) film My Week With Marilyn on March 13, 2012. The film stars Michelle Williams (Marilyn Monroe) and Kenneth Branagh (Laurence Olivier). The release will be a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. Audio will be provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Below is the official press announcement and planned special features:




ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT and THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY PRESENT THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED FILM MY WEEK WITH MARILYN – STARRING THREE-TIME OSCAR® NOMINEE MICHELLE WILLIAMS – ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD



Based On A True Story And Featuring An Award-Winning Cast,

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN Heads To Retail On March 13, 2012!





BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company announced today the Blu-ray™ and DVD release of the “warm, wonderful and enchanting” (Rex Reed, The New York Observer) film, MY WEEK WITH MARILYN, starring three-time Academy Award® nominee Michelle Williams (BLUE VALENTINE), who is “flawless, brilliant and exhilarating” (Bruce Handy, Vanity Fair) in the iconic title role. Based on Colin Clark’s memoir, MY WEEK WITH MARILYN also stars Academy Award® nominee Kenneth Branagh (HAMLET) as Sir Laurence Olivier, Tony Award® winner Eddie Redmayne (THE GOOD SHEPHERD) as Clark, and Academy Award® winner Judi Dench (SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE) as Dame Sybil Thorndike.





The film’s principal cast is joined by Dominic Cooper (AN EDUCATION), Emmy® Award winner Julia Ormond (“TEMPLE GRANDIN”) as Vivien Leigh, Zoë Wanamaker (HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE), Emma Watson (HARRY POTTER series), Dougray Scott (MISSION IMPOSSIBLE II) as Arthur Miller, Toby Jones (FROST NIXON), and Derek Jacobi (THE KING’S SPEECH). From acclaimed director Simon Curtis (“CRANFORD”), MY WEEK WITH MARILYN debuts on Blu-ray March 13th.



A strong contender this awards season, MY WEEK WITH MARILYN has received two 2012 Academy Award® nominations, including Best Actress in a Leading Role (Michelle Williams) and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Kenneth Branagh). Williams won a 2012 Golden Globe® Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical, while the film received nominations for Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture (Kenneth Branagh). Additionally, the film received two Screen Actors Guild Award® nominations for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role (Michelle Williams) and Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (Kenneth Branagh).





Rex Reed, film critic for The New York Observer, hailed MY WEEK WITH MARILYN as “Pure perfection!” In her review for TIME magazine, film critic Mary Pols wrote, “Michelle Williams captures Monroe’s mystique and humanity with uncanny accuracy.” Wrote Vanity Fair film critic, Bruce Handy, “Michelle Williams is flawless, brilliant and exhilarating. I can’t think of a better performance in the role of an icon.” Pete Hammond, film critic for Deadline Hollywood, described the film as “One of the most purely entertaining films of the year!” Finally, in his review for The New Yorker, film critic David Denby called the film “Charming and touching. Expertly made… Michelle makes the star come alive.”





During Marilyn Monroe’s (Michelle Williams) first trip to London to film The Prince and the Showgirl with Sir Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh), she befriends Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne), an ambitious 23-year-old Third Assistant Director on the set. As their relationship progresses, Colin’s focus shifts from making his way in the film business to rescuing her from the pressures of celebrity life. When Monroe’s new husband, playwright Arthur Miller, makes a brief trip to Paris, Clark takes the opportunity to introduce her to the world outside of Hollywood fame. Based on the true story by Colin Clark, this memoir describes a magical week in which Monroe opens herself up to a stranger and finds in him a confidant and an ally.


**SPECIAL FEATURES**

* Audio Commentary with director Simon Curtis

* “The Untold Story of an American Icon” featurette.

Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil coming to Blu-ray 3-D 4-Disc Combo Pack on August 16th

Anchor Bay Home Entertainment and the Weinstein Company has announced their plans to release the hit CG animation film Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil on 4-Disc 3-D Blu-ray/Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy pack August 16, 2011. Below is the full press release:

Featuring The Voices of Hayden Panettiere, Glenn Close, Joan Cusack, Bill Hader,

Amy Poehler, Patrick Warburton, David Alan Grier, Andy Dick, Brad Garrett,

Martin Short, Heidi Klum, Wayne Newton, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong,

Hoodwinked Too! Hood Vs. Evil Heads to Retail on August 16th



BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company announced today the 3D Blu-ray™, Blu-ray™, and DVD release of the all-new animated family comedy, HOODWINKED TOO! HOOD VS. EVIL, heading to retail on August 16, 2011. Directed by Mike Disa and produced by Kanbar Entertainment, the team that brought you the original HOODWINKED! film, HOODWINKED TOO! HOOD VS. EVIL is based on the beloved classic children’s fairy tale Red Riding Hood. The sequel features the voices of an all-star ensemble cast including Hayden Panettiere, Glenn Close, Joan Cusack, Bill Hader, Amy Poehler, Patrick Warburton, David Alan Grier, Andy Dick, Brad Garrett, Martin Short, Heidi Klum, Wayne Newton, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong. HOODWINKED TOO! HOOD VS. EVIL is available for a SRP of $39.99 for the 3D Blu-ray™ 4-Pack, which includes a 3D Blu-ray™, Blu-ray™, standard definition DVD, and Digital Copy of the film; $34.99 for the Blu-ray™ and DVD Combo Pack; and $29.98 for the standard definition DVD.



Here’s what the critics have to say about HOODWINKED TOO! HOOD VS. EVIL: “Hilarious!” (Nell Minow The Chicago Sun-Times) “Innovative! A superb sequel and entertaining treat for the whole family.” (Judith Manigault, Family Media) “A procession of pop-culture send-ups delivered at light speed, interspersed with affirmative messages about exercise, proper diet and – so refreshing in this kind of movie – girl power.” (The New York Times)



The good... the bad... the Twitchy. HOODWINKED TOO! HOOD VS. EVIL finds our heroine, Red (Hayden Panettiere), training with a mysterious covert group called the Sisters of the Hood. But Red is forced to cut her training short when she gets an urgent call from Nicky Flippers (David Ogden Stiers), the head of the super secret Happily Ever After Agency, aka the HEA. A wicked witch (Joan Cusack) has abducted two innocent children, Hansel (Bill Hader) and Gretel (Amy Poehler), and Nicky needs the whole Hoodwinked gang – Red, Granny (Glenn Close), the ever-clueless Wolf (Patrick Warburton) and his over-caffeinated little partner, Twitchy (Cory Edwards) – for the search and rescue mission.



Fracturing fairy tales and pop culture with good-natured glee, HOODWINKED TOO! HOOD VS. EVIL takes viewers on a rollicking rollercoaster ride combining edge-of-the-seat adventure with classic, zany cartoon antics.



The HOODWINKED TOO! HOOD VS. EVIL 3D Blu-ray™, Blu-ray™, and DVD bonus features include music videos by Hayden Panettiere (“I Can Do It Alone”), Lavay Cole (“You Know It”) and CEEJ (“Perfect Two”); a “The Voices of Hoodwinked Too!” featurette; storyboard sequences; production artwork; and video game applications. Note: Special features are subject to change.



Learn more about HOODWINKED TOO! HOOD VS. EVIL at: http://hoodwinkedtoomovie.com


HOODWINKED TOO! HOOD VS. EVIL 3D BLU-RAY™ 4-PACK

(Including 3D Blu-ray™; Blu-ray™; DVD; Digital Copy)

Street date: August 16th

Pre-book: July 20th

Catalog #: BD23690

UPC: 0 1313 23690-9 9

Run time: 87 Minutes

Rating: PG

SRP: $39.99

Format: 1.78:1 Widescreen

Audio: DTSMA 5.1

The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season - Blu-ray Disc Review

***SYNOPSIS***

After waking from a coma in an abandoned hospital, police officer Rick Grimes finds the world he knew gone - ravaged by a zombie epidemic of apocalyptic proportions. Nearby, on the outskirts of Atlanta, a small encampment struggles to survive as 'the dead' stalk them at every turn. Can Rick and the others hold onto their humanity as they fight to live in this terrifying new world? And, amidst dire conditions and personal rivalries, will they ultimately survive one another? AMC’s The Walking Dead is an epic, survival adventure series from the director of The Shawshank Redemption and the producer of The Terminator and Aliens.



***MOVIE REVIEW***

The Walking Dead debuted on October 31, 2010 and was instantly the best new show of the season. Yes this is a dramatic survival horror show that features zombies but it is so much more than that. The most important aspect of the show is the study of the human condition and how we face tragedy in the form of a devastating plague. There are several touching moments that never feel forced. The horror element of the show surely won't disappoint gore fans with super detailed makeup effects by the great Greg Nicoterro. The show is also perfectly cast with every genre and race covered and each character has their own diverse personality that makes this the best ensemble currently on television after Mad Men. The season is a quick and furious 6 episodes due to the filming schedule. I highly recommend picking up this excellent show before it returns this fall with 13 more episodes. 9/10




***VIDEO QUALITY***
The Walking Dead arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. This is a considerable upgrade over the blocky and noisy AMC broadcast that is provided through Cablevision in my area. The show is shot on 16mm film that lends to the gritty, realistic feel that the show portrays. Colors are decidedly subdued but there are some scenes that are filled with a lush, green forest. The color of the blood varies from dark to corn syrup mixed with red food coloring with a nice deep tone. I noticed a nice upgrade in fine detail such as clothing texture where I was able to make individual stitches, a home with scratched hard wood floors showed its age well. The Zombie makeup really shines here with every gory detail revealed.

Black levels were solid throughout. Due to being shot on 16mmm their is a fine layer of grain that was never obtrusive and adds to the overall feel of the show. Fans of the show and newcomers alike will be very happy with this strong transfer. 8.5/10



***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. An enthralling track that rarely lets up. Gunshots pound the listening area with crisp details heard in bullets tearing through undead flesh. Surrounds are almost constantly engaged with environmental effects, zombie movement and the music score bleeding to the back. Dialogue was crisp and clear with the southern accents easily intelligible. Dynamics are strong with a one scene in the end of the first episode that will knock you and your listening area for a loop. You'll know the scene when you hear and feel it. LFE is tight and precise, for a television production their were some startlingly deep lows in a few scenes. This is a fantastic listen that matches the events unfolding on screen with scary perfection to bring into the environment of the show. 10/10



***SPECIAL FEATURES***

* The Making of The Walking Dead (29min53sec, HD) - This is a great overall behind-the-scenes look from cast and crew that examines the inspiration for the show, the work leading up to bringing the show to fruition with AMC, and the production itself. Be sure to watch this one.
* Inside The Walking Dead (HD) - This is broken up into six separate featurettes that focus on each of the seasons six episodes.
* A Sneak Peek with Robert Kirkman (4min51sec, HD)
* Behind the Scenes Zombie Make-Up Tips (6min45sec, HD) - A fast lesson from Greg Nicoterro on how you can make yourself a zombie.
* Convention Panel with Producers (11min32sec, HD)
* The Walking Dead Trailer (1min3sec, HD)
* Zombie School (3min, HD) - How the zombie actors were taught how to walk and look like the undead.
* Bicycle Girl (5min6sec, HD) - A nice look at the zombie that Rick shows mercy to.
* On Set with Robert Kirkman (3min8sec, HD) -
* Hanging with Steven Yeun (3min52sec, HD)
* Inside Dale's RV (3min25sec, HD) - A fun look at the set that is used to portray the fatherly characters home and mode of transportation.
* On Set with Andrew Lincoln (3min46sec, HD) - A brief talk with the star of the show.

The King's Speech coming to Blu-ray April 19

Anchor Bay Home Entertainment has announced their plans to release the Tom Hooper film The King's Speech on Blu-ray Disc April 19, 2011. The film stars Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, and Geoffrey Rush.

SPECIAL FEATURES

* Commentary with director Tom Hooper
* The Making of The King's Speech
* King George VI